Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya – In a significant stride towards enhancing local infrastructure, Governor Atty. Jose “Jing” V. Gambito inaugurated the Sitio Balangabang, Kayapa Proper West Farm-to-Market Road (FTMR),Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya,on June 14.. The project, valued at P5 million, is a key initiative of the provincial government, funded by the 2024 20% Development Fund and executed by the Provincial Agricultural Office. The newly constructed road stretches 921 meters in length and 3 meters in width. Governor Gambito was joined by former Governor Ruth R. Padilla, Board Members Patricio F. Dumlao Jr. and Castillo Tidang Jr., Executive Assistant Emerlene Jane Galanta-Martinez, local officials of Kayapa led by Vice Mayor Peter Bay-an, and employees of the Provincial Agricultural Office, headed by Provincial Agriculture Officer Rizal Absalom Baysa. This project is part of Governor Gambito’s flagship “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan” program, which aims to improve road accessibility in mountainous areas. The Sitio Balangabang FTMR will not only connect various barangays within Kayapa but also establish a crucial link between the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Benguet via Brgy Domolpos, Itogon. In his speech,Governor Gambito emphasized the importance of the “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan” program as a demonstration of the provincial government’s dedication to supporting indigenous communities residing in the mountains. “This initiative is designed to enhance mountain roads, making them more accessible and easing the transportation of agricultural products for our mountain-dwelling citizens,” he explained. Governor Gambito also took the opportunity to highlight other significant projects under his administration. These include the “Free WiFi ti Umili” program, aimed at providing internet connectivity to even the most remote barangays in Nueva Vizcaya, which will greatly benefit students’ education. He also mentioned the ongoing improvements to provincial hospitals, ensuring that Novo Vizcayanos no longer need to travel to Baguio or Manila for specialized medical care. Additionally, he discussed the “Doctor ti Umili” scholarship program and the solar lighting project for remote households not serviced by NUVELCO. Provincial Agriculture Officer Absalom Baysa announced that several other projects are lined up for the municipality of Kayapa under the “Kalsada ti Kabanbantayan” program. These include the improvement of the Tidang-Cabanglasan-Binalian FMR with a P6 million fund, the improvement of the Kayapa Proper East to Cabalatan Alang FMR with a P5.8 million fund, and the improvement of the Binalian to Banao FMR with a P6.1 million fund. Governor Gambito called for the unity, cooperation, and prayers of all Novo Vizcayanos to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives. “The key to our province’s progress lies in our unity. Rest assured, I will work double time to realize programs that will uplift the livelihood of our people. I also ask for your prayers to help me fulfill my aspirations for Nueva Vizcaya,” he affirmed. Former Governor Ruth Padilla expressed her gratitude to Governor Gambito for continuing the programs initiated by the late Governor Carlos M. Padilla. She pledged that if given another opportunity to serve the people of Nueva Vizcaya, she would collaborate with Governor Gambito to ensure the continuous development of the province. “Thank you, Governor Gambito, for upholding the legacy of the late Governor Carlos M. Padilla. If given another chance to serve, I promise to work alongside you for the sustained progress of our province,” Padilla remarked. By NVPG/RM